Who remembers Cagney & Lacey?? Cagney & Lacey was a groundbreaking police drama that followed two female detectives, Christine Cagney and Mary Beth Lacey, as they balanced demanding careers in New York’s male-dominated police force with their personal lives. It aired from 1982 to 1988 and challenged gender stereotypes on prime-time television. The role of Cagney was played by three different actresses during its early stages. Loretta Swit originated the role in the pilot, Meg Foster took over in